Ride Safe, Smile Safe: What Every E-Scooter Rider Needs to Know About Dental Injuries

Electric scooters (e-scooters) have transformed how we navigate NYC streets — offering affordability, ease, and a greener way to travel. With multiple ride-share platforms and personal e-scooters becoming increasingly common, they’re here to stay. But as dentists, we’re seeing a silent side effect: a rise in dental and facial injuries linked to scooter-related accidents.

While scrapes and bruises are expected, a chipped tooth, fractured jaw, or even a knocked-out tooth can turn a fun commute into a dental emergency.

The Reality: Dental and Orofacial Injuries from E-Scooters

Recent studies show:
- Up to 33% of e-scooter injuries involve dental trauma, and nearly 60% involve the facial region.
- Low helmet usage remains a key risk factor — especially in casual or short rides where protection is often overlooked.
- Many patients suffer avulsed (knocked-out) teeth, tooth fractures, lacerations to the lips or tongue, and TMJ (jaw joint) injuries from sudden impact or falls.

Prevention: How to Protect Your Teeth and Face While Riding

1. Wear the Right Helmet

Not all helmets are created equal. A full-face helmet (like those used for mountain biking or BMX) offers crucial jaw and dental coverage.

2. Use a Custom Mouthguard

A dentist-made mouthguard can absorb shock during impact, protecting against tooth fractures or avulsion and preventing soft tissue injuries.

3. Ride Defensively

Avoid poor weather, watch for road hazards, and use both hands when riding.

4. Wear Protective Eyewear and Clothing

Long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes reduce the risk of injury.

What to Do If You Experience a Dental Injury on an E-Scooter

➤ Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion):

- Find the tooth, hold by the crown.
- Rinse gently if dirty — do not scrub.
- Reinsert into the socket if possible.
- If not, place in milk, saline, or saliva.
- See a dentist within 30–60 minutes.

➤ Chipped or Broken Tooth:

- Save fragments if possible.
- Rinse with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress.
- Avoid chewing on the injured side.
- Call your dentist promptly.

➤ Lip, Tongue, or Gum Injury:

- Rinse with saltwater.
- Apply pressure with gauze to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress for swelling.
- Seek dental or emergency care for deep wounds.

➤ Jaw Pain or Limited Opening:

This may indicate a TMJ injury or fracture. Avoid movement and consult a dentist or oral surgeon.

Patient Education & Advocacy

- Protecting your teeth is as important as protecting your head.
- A $200 mouthguard or helmet can prevent $20,000 in dental work.
- Ride responsibly, stay alert, and wear protective gear — even for short trips.

Final Thoughts

E-scooters are here to stay, and we support anything that makes city travel cleaner, faster, and more fun. But your smile shouldn’t be the cost of convenience. Whether you're renting or riding your own, stay protected and know what to do in an emergency.

Questions about dental trauma or want a custom mouthguard made for riding? Contact us — we’re here to keep your smile